Lidstrom + Markov = triple-digit impact

Nick Lidstrom's styles of play and self-expression are polar opposites from his numerical counterpart in the abrasive, simply-spoken Danny Markov, but #5 and #95 mesh superbly well on the ice:

October 31, Macomb Daily: "Nick told me that he likes playing with Danny," said Detroit coach Mike Babcock. "That's good enough for me."

Matching diverse styles is a common practice in hockey. Mate a stay-at-home defenseman with a join-in-the-rush defenseman and you could get extra offensive punch while maintaining defensive responsibility.
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"I think we compliment each other real well," said Lidstrom of Markov. "He's more of a physical presence. He'll step up with a big open-ice hit or play a little more abrasive or tough whereas I'm a little more of a puck-mover.

"Vladdie was like that. Although I wasn't paired with Vladdie a lot, I see some similarities with the way he could step up and hit players. Just being a head's-up player for the other team."